Walter H. Hart, 94, of West Lafayette, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at his home. He was born August 29, 1926, in Brocton, IL. His parents were the late Leonard and Harriet (White) Hart. Walter graduated from Villa Grove High School in Villa Grove, IL. He was a veteran of the Navy serving duringContinue Reading
Emily West
left a message on September 21, 2020:
We had made a trip to visit Granddad around the Fourth of July and he was so pleased to see everyone. My brother and I were pretty young at the time and definitely needed to blow off some steam from our long trip. He decided to rummage through the garage where he found fireworks that were roughly 35 years old and thought it would be a good idea for us to fire some off. Given the condition of the box, we asked if it would be safe.... he smiled and said, I suppose we'll find out! They worked brilliantly and we all spent a wonderful afternoon enjoying the spectacle. Wonderful man with a big heart- so thankful for the time spent with him.
Jim Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
While his kids all looked like their mother, they all have his gentleness and warm heart.
As a kid, I loved being around Grandad. Whether it was going into the garage (that more closely resembled a museum) to "help" him work on something, going fishing, sitting by the campfire for a visit, or the neighborhood 4th of July block party, Grandad always made the day special. I always felt safe and loved when I was around him.
I do remember hearing how he enjoyed the grandkids coming by because he could buy sugary cereal, like Lucky Charms ... Mom didn't buy us Lucky Charms when we were kids, but I didn't say anything to Grandmom.
I have lots of memories of little things, all of them loving and warm. I'm so glad my wife and kids got to enjoy him.
Ricky Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
My grandfather was the most caring and considerate person I've ever known. I'll truly miss him and will always remember him. I love you Granddad.
Tom Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
I am not able to maintain composure speaking at remembrances, so this will have to be one way to “publicly” share the multitude of my feelings. First is gratitude for parents who were loving and supportive of every step I took, even the many missteps along the way. Second is my respect for a man who sat next to a girl on the schoolbus and knew his place was at her side, even through three years of Alzheimers when he was able to keep her safe and well cared for in her home. Third is my live for a man with almost infinite patience, sorely tried by me and my siblings as we grew up as he described himself, a bit of wild child in us all. And not even close to last, is recognition of a life spent in service to others. He would not want the mantle of a hero, but rather the simple honor of an honest man who cared more about others than himself to the end.
Morgan Aguilar
left a message on September 21, 2020:
Walter Hart was the epitome of a good man. He was the best husband, father, grandpa, and Dad Dad to his loved ones and was admired by others. He was always there with a hug and I love you when you needed it. He was the sweetest, kindest, most gentle soul you would ever meet. I have so many memories, but those of him taking me to the fire house to play on the fire trucks and fishing on his jon boat at the cottage are my favorite. That was my special time with him when I was little. He was so very good at making you feel special and loved. I will miss you always. Until we meet again, love you grandpa.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Kelly Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
As a kid, I couldn't wait to go to the beach and find sharks teeth and watch the sea turtles hatch. As a teen, I remember chasing fireflies in their backyard and floating down the river at the cottage. As an adult, I would call him and talk to him about my highs and lows and ask him about "the good old days". Daddad was the perfect example of unconditional love. He had the best outlook and attitude. I see so much of him in my dad, aunts and uncles, brother and cousins. What a great role model. I can only hope to be as humble, kind, supporting, and loving as he was. I love you Daddad.
Faye Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
The first time I met dad Hart he was working on the toaster and had crumbs all over the floor. Nina came in to tell him to clean up the mess. She walked out of the room and he lifted the rug and swept them under it. He will be deeply missed.
Rick Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
Our cottage was a special place. It always reminded me of the many camping trips we took with our friends and neighbors in Illinois. In one hour of fishing on the river in the boat with Daddy I learned more about his life as a kid than I had ever learned in a lifetime. He was a regular scoundrel as a kid - staying away from home for days at a time with his friends - living in the woods killing and eating squirrels and rabbits and stealing pies off of neighbor's window sills. But, as a grown man, he was the best of the best. He was my hero.
Diana Hart Armstrong
left a message on September 21, 2020:
It's impossible to put a lifetime of memories into just a few words. Daddy, you were always a gentle man and a gentlman. You lived up to every name you were called by. Daddy, Grandpa, DadDad, Chief Hart. I will miss you forever. I love you.
Eric Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
It’s hard to condense down into a few sentences how much someone meant to you when they played such a big role in who you turned out to be. Living 1000 miles away I didn’t always get to see Grandad (Daddad), but many of my favorite memories were on our family trips picking up Indian beads at the cottage or shark teeth on the beach. I always admired his sharp mind and steady hand, and hope that I can live up to his legacy of being such a caring and supportive husband, father and grandfather. I love you Daddad
Julie Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
Daddy and I were out on the boat fishing just a ways upstream from the cottage, and Momma was sitting on the porch swing reading. We knew it was going to storm and were about ready to head in when a wall of hard rain started coming down river toward us. We were both fascinated with the rain, watching it come closer and closer. By the time we thought about pulling up anchor it was too late and we were drenched.
Kevin S Clark
left a message on September 21, 2020:
In memory of Walter H. Hart, Kevin S Clark lit a candle
Grant Kepner
left a message on September 20, 2020:
Walt was hired during the summer of 1963 as Purdue's first Fire Chief. By November of 1963, Walt had converted the Navel Armory into a fire station, tested and accepted a new 100' aerial Seagrave fire truck, hired and trained three shifts of inexperienced firefighters and went operational in December of 1963, in time to extinguish their first fire (an oven fire at the new fire station). I don't know of anyone else who could done the same. Thanks Walt
Grant Kepner
Susan Ferguson
left a message on September 20, 2020:
Prayers and blessings for the entire Hart family
Susan Ferguson
left a message on September 20, 2020:
Prayers and blessings for the entire Hart family
Phillip R Harris
left a message on September 20, 2020:
Tom and Paula - my condolences to you and your family as you celebrate your father's life.
Phil
Todd and Corinne Armstrong
left a message on September 19, 2020:
Dianna and Cory you are in our prayers. We are saddened at your loss. God bless you and your family.
Carol Armstrong
left a message on September 19, 2020:
Dianna my heart goes out to you and your family.
Love Mom
Iris "Dusty" Hart
left a message on September 19, 2020:
Oh what wonderful memories of the most gentile and kind man I have ever known. Over 50 years of very special memories. How blessed I have been and I thank Our Lord every day for being part of this family. God's blessings to each of you in this time of sorrow.
Kaia
left a message on September 19, 2020:
I love and miss you DadDad
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Mike & Beth Adams
left a message on September 19, 2020:
We offer our condolences and prayers to Tom & Paula, as well as the other family members.
Kathy Heaphy
left a message on September 19, 2020:
Fond memories of Women in Communications banquets and informal gatherings with Nina, Walt's wife, and Walt always around to help. Miss them both and grateful to have had them in my life. Love and air hugs to the family. God bless you all!
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Emily West
left a message on September 21, 2020:
We had made a trip to visit Granddad around the Fourth of July and he was so pleased to see everyone. My brother and I were pretty young at the time and definitely needed to blow off some steam from our long trip. He decided to rummage through the garage where he found fireworks that were roughly 35 years old and thought it would be a good idea for us to fire some off. Given the condition of the box, we asked if it would be safe.... he smiled and said, I suppose we'll find out! They worked brilliantly and we all spent a wonderful afternoon enjoying the spectacle. Wonderful man with a big heart- so thankful for the time spent with him.
Jim Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
While his kids all looked like their mother, they all have his gentleness and warm heart.
As a kid, I loved being around Grandad. Whether it was going into the garage (that more closely resembled a museum) to "help" him work on something, going fishing, sitting by the campfire for a visit, or the neighborhood 4th of July block party, Grandad always made the day special. I always felt safe and loved when I was around him.
I do remember hearing how he enjoyed the grandkids coming by because he could buy sugary cereal, like Lucky Charms ... Mom didn't buy us Lucky Charms when we were kids, but I didn't say anything to Grandmom.
I have lots of memories of little things, all of them loving and warm. I'm so glad my wife and kids got to enjoy him.
Ricky Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
My grandfather was the most caring and considerate person I've ever known. I'll truly miss him and will always remember him. I love you Granddad.
Tom Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
I am not able to maintain composure speaking at remembrances, so this will have to be one way to “publicly” share the multitude of my feelings. First is gratitude for parents who were loving and supportive of every step I took, even the many missteps along the way. Second is my respect for a man who sat next to a girl on the schoolbus and knew his place was at her side, even through three years of Alzheimers when he was able to keep her safe and well cared for in her home. Third is my live for a man with almost infinite patience, sorely tried by me and my siblings as we grew up as he described himself, a bit of wild child in us all. And not even close to last, is recognition of a life spent in service to others. He would not want the mantle of a hero, but rather the simple honor of an honest man who cared more about others than himself to the end.
Morgan Aguilar
left a message on September 21, 2020:
Walter Hart was the epitome of a good man. He was the best husband, father, grandpa, and Dad Dad to his loved ones and was admired by others. He was always there with a hug and I love you when you needed it. He was the sweetest, kindest, most gentle soul you would ever meet. I have so many memories, but those of him taking me to the fire house to play on the fire trucks and fishing on his jon boat at the cottage are my favorite. That was my special time with him when I was little. He was so very good at making you feel special and loved. I will miss you always. Until we meet again, love you grandpa.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Kelly Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
As a kid, I couldn't wait to go to the beach and find sharks teeth and watch the sea turtles hatch. As a teen, I remember chasing fireflies in their backyard and floating down the river at the cottage. As an adult, I would call him and talk to him about my highs and lows and ask him about "the good old days". Daddad was the perfect example of unconditional love. He had the best outlook and attitude. I see so much of him in my dad, aunts and uncles, brother and cousins. What a great role model. I can only hope to be as humble, kind, supporting, and loving as he was. I love you Daddad.
Faye Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
The first time I met dad Hart he was working on the toaster and had crumbs all over the floor. Nina came in to tell him to clean up the mess. She walked out of the room and he lifted the rug and swept them under it. He will be deeply missed.
Rick Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
Our cottage was a special place. It always reminded me of the many camping trips we took with our friends and neighbors in Illinois. In one hour of fishing on the river in the boat with Daddy I learned more about his life as a kid than I had ever learned in a lifetime. He was a regular scoundrel as a kid - staying away from home for days at a time with his friends - living in the woods killing and eating squirrels and rabbits and stealing pies off of neighbor's window sills. But, as a grown man, he was the best of the best. He was my hero.
Diana Hart Armstrong
left a message on September 21, 2020:
It's impossible to put a lifetime of memories into just a few words. Daddy, you were always a gentle man and a gentlman. You lived up to every name you were called by. Daddy, Grandpa, DadDad, Chief Hart. I will miss you forever. I love you.
Eric Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
It’s hard to condense down into a few sentences how much someone meant to you when they played such a big role in who you turned out to be. Living 1000 miles away I didn’t always get to see Grandad (Daddad), but many of my favorite memories were on our family trips picking up Indian beads at the cottage or shark teeth on the beach. I always admired his sharp mind and steady hand, and hope that I can live up to his legacy of being such a caring and supportive husband, father and grandfather. I love you Daddad
Julie Hart
left a message on September 21, 2020:
Daddy and I were out on the boat fishing just a ways upstream from the cottage, and Momma was sitting on the porch swing reading. We knew it was going to storm and were about ready to head in when a wall of hard rain started coming down river toward us. We were both fascinated with the rain, watching it come closer and closer. By the time we thought about pulling up anchor it was too late and we were drenched.
Kevin S Clark
left a message on September 21, 2020:
In memory of Walter H. Hart, Kevin S Clark lit a candle
Grant Kepner
left a message on September 20, 2020:
Walt was hired during the summer of 1963 as Purdue's first Fire Chief. By November of 1963, Walt had converted the Navel Armory into a fire station, tested and accepted a new 100' aerial Seagrave fire truck, hired and trained three shifts of inexperienced firefighters and went operational in December of 1963, in time to extinguish their first fire (an oven fire at the new fire station). I don't know of anyone else who could done the same. Thanks Walt
Grant Kepner
Susan Ferguson
left a message on September 20, 2020:
Prayers and blessings for the entire Hart family
Susan Ferguson
left a message on September 20, 2020:
Prayers and blessings for the entire Hart family
Phillip R Harris
left a message on September 20, 2020:
Tom and Paula - my condolences to you and your family as you celebrate your father's life.
Phil
Todd and Corinne Armstrong
left a message on September 19, 2020:
Dianna and Cory you are in our prayers. We are saddened at your loss. God bless you and your family.
Carol Armstrong
left a message on September 19, 2020:
Dianna my heart goes out to you and your family.
Love Mom
Iris "Dusty" Hart
left a message on September 19, 2020:
Oh what wonderful memories of the most gentile and kind man I have ever known. Over 50 years of very special memories. How blessed I have been and I thank Our Lord every day for being part of this family. God's blessings to each of you in this time of sorrow.
Kaia
left a message on September 19, 2020:
I love and miss you DadDad
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Mike & Beth Adams
left a message on September 19, 2020:
We offer our condolences and prayers to Tom & Paula, as well as the other family members.
Kathy Heaphy
left a message on September 19, 2020:
Fond memories of Women in Communications banquets and informal gatherings with Nina, Walt's wife, and Walt always around to help. Miss them both and grateful to have had them in my life. Love and air hugs to the family. God bless you all!
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.